Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Rethinking Christmas Gifts - #giveaway

It’s that time of year when find myself getting caught up on finding the perfect gift for my friends and family. I’ll be honest, they don’t really need anything. So what should be an enjoyable experience of picking out a fun and personable present winds up an exhausting and stressful experience.

This year, I decided to do something totally different. Instead of purchasing gifts for my friends and family, I’m going to spread Christmas cheer by making a donation in their name to their charity of choice. I was worried they might think I was taking the easy way out. When I shared my idea, everyone was excited, and immediately texted me information about their favorite charity.

The joy of giving has returned! I think we even started a new holiday tradition.

What about you? If someone was to make a donation in your name this holiday season, what organization is near and dear to your heart?

Leave a comment, along with your email address, and your name goes into the Season's Reading drawing for a signed copy of your choice of Pampered Pet Mysteries book! A winner will be randomly drawn Thursday, December 13th at midnight.

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I have two favorites that I not only make donations to but mention to friends and family as a way to make a difference. Our local animal shelter is run entirely from donations since we are a very small town. They even have a little second hand store in town selling things folks donate to help with their endeavors all run by volunteers. They really do accomplish great deeds and save a lot of animals finding them forever homes. I also love the Toys for Tots in which we always participate in their annual toy motorcycle rides. I think every child should have a smile on their face come Christmas morning with at least one new toy. After all, all the presents under the tree can't compare to the glint of Christmas magic in a child's eye.

As we get older, we do find that our needs and wants are less materialist. I can fondly remember my Mom's words when asked what she wanted for Christmas - "Don't want anything I have to dust." I know exactly what she meant now. I would much rather know that instead of gifting me that someone would gift in my name to do something worth while for others in need.

Thanks you for the chance to win a signed copy of one of your Pampered Pet Mysteries book!2clowns at arkansas dot net

Rockin' on the Run, a local charity that has a yearly 5k that raises funds for pediatric brain cancer research and gives to the Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, OH Tari H. barbie17(at)gmail(d0t)com

Donating to a charity in someone's name is a lovely thing to do. If it was for me, I'd probably want it sent to either the American Diabetes Association or the American Cancer Society. There have been a lot of people in my life who have been affected by one or the other, or even both, and I so want to see there be a cure for both. Thank you for participating in Season's Readings. robbfan141729@yahoo.com

I love this idea!! Two charities come to mind: American Heart Association as I'm a heart attack survivor and loss my sister to a brain aneurysm. Also the American Diabetes Association as diabetes has run in my family through at least three generations. There are many others that I support, but these are my top two. Thanks for the chance. ematov (at) comcast (dot) net

With Hanukkah, Christmas and 3 children's birthday, we created the tradition of giving, not getting. Each of us had a night to give presents (not receive) during Hanukkah. With the extra three nights, each child picked a charity and we donated to that. cheers (at) MarjimManor (dot) com

My charity would either be the Sanctuary at Haafsville, who rescued our dog, or Speranza Animal rescue, cause I am such a sucker for those pit bulls, and Janine has such a huge heart. kkcochran(at)Hotmail(dot)com

Russell Rescue of Columbia, TN is where I rescued my sweet Tyler, Old Friends Sanctuary is just wonderful and Veterans causes mean the most to me. What a wonderful new tradition. Thanks for the chance to win. kayt18 (at) comcast (dot) net

How wonderful to giving back and paying forward. I like to give to rescue shelters (any), homeless shelters, and st. Judes among others. I also love to leave books in public places with notes that say, please read me and pass on...or to a shelter or hospital. Everyone feels better Ione takes the time to smile, say hello...and books are food for the soul.

Thank you everyone for your comments, and entering our drawing!If you haven't heard about any of these amazing organizations, take a moment and check it out. Like Kathleen said, there are so many worthy causes!We'll draw a winner tomorrow! Watch for the winner to be posted Friday morning.

If someone donated in my name I would want it to go to Amazing Grace Equine Sanctuary in Elkhart Lake, WI. I've never been there, but a story 4 years ago really got me and I've supported them ever since. Thank you for the contest. trwilliams 69 at msn dot com

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